India went down 1-5 to higher-ranked Oman in a football friendly at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex Stadium here Thursday. Joaquim Abranches scored the solitary goal for India in the 64th minute. For the hosts, Ismail al Ajami scored a brace while Mohamad al Gasani, Hasan Rabea and Abdullah Thuwaini scored one apiece.
The match was part of India's preparation for the forthcoming AFC Challenge Cup. Two defensive lapses within two minutes saw India concede two goals within the first seven minutes.
First, Gourmangi Singh couldn’t leap enough to prevent Gasani form heading in. Then the back four left a yawning gap in the inner box for Alajmi to tap in from close.
The lapses set the tone and the Indians never recovered. The last two goals were conceded inside of three minutes.
